Aikido Training

For students training in Aikido, it is possible to find Aiki; but this has very little to do with technique - though it is of course related.

Aikido is a ‘Way’, and therefore like all other ‘Ways’, a path of continuous development. Aiki, though difficult to define, could be described as a sensibility that has both physical and psycho-physical dimensions, emphasising both relaxation and an attitude of non-dissension - characteristics or qualities that are capable of infinite refinement.

O Sensei once commented on the way that people where training at Hombu: “When will you realise that there is no uke or Ueshiba”. When caught up in a dualistic way of seeing things there is an attacker and a defender. Training in Aikido can help to dissolve this sense of separateness.

From this pespective, one of unification, there is no bus, no driver, and no destination. On the other hand, in the every day world there are mat fees, gradings, rental payments, politics, etc. Reconciling these apparent differences is always a challenge - the Yin and Yang of it all. Personally, I just like to practice and explore the kata to see what it has to teach.